As the use of marijuana among teenagers has increased over recent years, researchers are delving into its health implications. A new longitudinal study indicates that using cannabis during adolescence may elevate the risk of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and depression later on.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan from Columbia University, who isn’t affiliated with the study published in the latest edition of JAMA Health Forum, this finding is very concerning.
Robust Study Methodology
The study examined health data from around 460,000 teenagers within the Kaiser Permanente Health System in Northern California, following them until they reached 25 years of age. The researchers focused on annual assessments for substance use and mental health diagnoses, intentionally excluding any adolescent with prior mental health symptoms.
Dr. Lynn Silver, a pediatrician and study author at the Public Health Institute, explained their approach: they tracked teenagers who used cannabis before experiencing any psychiatric symptoms, aiming to see if their likelihood of developing such conditions changed.
Results showed that those who used cannabis faced a greater risk of being diagnosed with serious mental health disorders compared to non-users. Specifically, teens who used cannabis were twice as likely to develop disorders like bipolar disorder and psychosis, such as schizophrenia.
However, it’s notable that only about 4,000 teens in the study were diagnosed with either of these two severe conditions—both of which are among the most debilitating mental illnesses.
Sultan emphasized that these disorders are particularly alarming.
Silver highlighted the societal implications; treating these illnesses can be quite costly. The U.S. cannabis market is valued in the tens of billions, yet the economic burden of schizophrenia alone has been estimated at around $350 billion annually.
She mentioned that if the number of individuals who develop such preventable conditions rises, it could offset the financial benefits of the cannabis industry.
Impact on Depression and Anxiety
Additionally, the study found that cannabis users also experienced higher risks for more prevalent conditions like anxiety and depression. Silver noted that the incidence of depression increased by roughly a third, while anxiety saw a rise of about a quarter.
Interestingly, this connection appeared to weaken for older teenagers using cannabis, which suggests that the younger brain is more vulnerable to cannabis’s effects. Silver remarked that cannabis seems to significantly influence neurological development, impacting the risk for these mental health issues.
She hopes the findings encourage teenagers to think twice about using cannabis, dispelling the myth that it is entirely safe.
Silver pointed out that with legalization, there’s been a growing perception of cannabis as a harmless, natural way to relieve stress, which simply isn’t accurate.
The quality of the new study is commendable, addressing the crucial question of whether cannabis use leads to mental health issues or if those with existing problems turn to cannabis for relief. Excluding teenagers who showed signs of mental health problems beforehand strengthens the evidence for a direct relationship between cannabis use and later mental health diagnoses. However, more extensive studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding.
“Playing with Fire”
Sultan shared that he is observing more cases of teenagers using cannabis who are subsequently developing worsening mental health symptoms. While issues like anxiety and depression are common, more severe conditions, such as bipolar disorder and psychosis, are also increasingly evident.
He acknowledged the complexity of mental health disorders, noting that genetic, environmental, and personal factors all contribute. Some young people may naturally be more susceptible than others.
He cautioned that after experiencing a psychotic or manic episode linked to cannabis use, clinicians often advise against further use, stating that it feels like playing with fire. The risk of intensifying symptoms with continued use complicates recovery.
Sultan expressed concern about those potentially becoming entrenched in psychosis, as it can be increasingly challenging to help them recover. He analogized the severity of psychosis and severe mood disorders to seizures, hinting that they might accelerate brain deterioration.
